Consultation Began on August 7
Italy’s Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport is considering lowering the minimum age for a category C1 driving licence from 18 to 17. The category covers vehicles with a maximum authorised mass of more than 3.5 tonnes but no more than 7.5 tonnes.
Initial reports stated that the consultation began on August 13. However, the official ministry announcement is dated August 7, 2026. Working materials were sent to more than 100 transport operators and industry associations.
The initiative is not yet legislation or a general public vote. The ministry is collecting industry feedback before preparing the final version of Italy’s new Highway Code.
A Qualified Companion Would Be Required
The ministry’s working presentation proposes allowing category C1 licences from the age of 17 and bringing access to the professional CQC qualification forward by one year.
This does not mean that a 17-year-old would be permitted to operate a truck independently.
The EU’s new Driving Licence Directive 2025/2205 allows Member States to introduce accompanied driving for 17-year-olds in categories C1, C1E and C. Until the driver turns 18, an experienced person holding the corresponding licence must accompany them.
The European Commission has clarified that extending the scheme to trucks is optional for individual Member States. Mutual recognition would apply only between countries that introduce compatible accompanied-driving systems.
Claims that the reform would immediately place unaccompanied 17-year-olds behind the wheel of commercial trucks are therefore inaccurate. Italy must still define the requirements for accompanying drivers, training and operational restrictions.
Drivers Could Work for Up to 12 Months Before Completing CQC
The second proposal concerns drivers who already hold a category C licence but have not yet obtained the Carta di Qualificazione del Conducente, Italy’s professional driver qualification document.
Under the concept, a person enrolled in an initial qualification course could work temporarily before completing the CQC process. The transition period would be limited to 12 months.
The proposal refers to initial professional qualification rather than routine periodic training. Candidates would still need the appropriate driving licence category.
Further legal detail will be required. EU Directive 2022/2561 regulates the initial qualification and periodic training of professional truck and bus drivers. Italy’s final text will therefore need to specify which operations trainees can perform, who assumes responsibility for their work and whether the temporary arrangement can apply to international transport.
Italy’s Driver Shortage Stands at 9%
The reform is being considered as Italy faces an ageing workforce and continuing recruitment difficulties. According to the latest assessment by IRU, approximately 9% of truck driver positions in the country remain unfilled.
Italy’s truck driver shortage has slightly eased. It currently stands at 9%. But the underlying challenges remain, IRU said
Approximately 45% of Italian truck drivers are over 55. Lowering the entry age is intended to reduce the gap between leaving school and beginning professional driver training.
Existing Rules Have Not Changed
As of August 21, 2026, the proposals are not in force. The minimum age for obtaining an Italian category C1 licence remains 18, while commercial drivers must hold the required professional qualification.
Following the consultation, the ministry must prepare the final Highway Code and its implementing rules. Until those measures are formally adopted, transport companies cannot employ 17-year-olds to drive trucks independently.
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